Dechinta Events
As our programs at Dechinta continue to grow, we have witnessed the transformative impact that intergenerational land reconnection has on the strength, knowledge, and wellbeing of the Dene communities that we work with. As we have grown over the past few years, we have been able to offer more programs to students and community members that are committed to revitalizing and practicing Dene culture. In doing so, we have seen how a culturally-informed curriculum fosters a sense of cultural pride in communities while increasing individual confidence around local protocols, practices and skills.
Check below for upcoming events!
Solid State Co-op Intensive: Session 1
Session 1: Political Grounding & Strategy for Co-ops
March 23, 6pm MT: Facilitated by Syed Khawar
This session explores the political and economic foundations of co-operatives. Participants will examine how co-ops challenge traditional capitalist models and support community ownership. The session will also guide participants through developing a clear mission, vision, and values, and how these shape strategies for building strong community-based enterprises.
Solid State Co-op Intensive: Session 2
Session 2 : Co-operative Business Planning & Finance Basics
March 25, 6pm MT: Facilitated by Katrina Mugume & Arshia Uppal
Learn the fundamentals of starting a cooperative business. This session introduces co-op business planning, including market research and evaluating whether an idea is desirable, viable, and feasible. Participants will also explore financial basics for start-ups, including funding pathways such as Seed Commons and government grants.
Solid State Co-op Intensive: Session 3
Session 3: Governance, HR & Building Democratic Co-ops
March 27, 6pm MT: Facilitated by Muryam Babar
This session looks at how cooperatives operate and grow. Participants will explore the differences between co-ops, non-profits, and corporations, learn about democratic governance structures, and discuss practical approaches to HR and operations for early-stage co-ops.
Faculty Lecture: The Political Economy of Dene Self-Determination in the North with Dr. Glen Coulthard
This talk will examine the political economy of colonialism and its impact on the Dene people and communities of Denendeh. Through historical and contemporary perspectives, this talk will examine how colonial policies, resource extraction, and state intervention have shaped Indigenous economies, governance structures, and social conditions. Key themes include the emergence of industrial capitalism in the north, land dispossession, treaty-making, northern development, and Dene resistance. The talk will also consider Indigenous economic self-determination and alternative models of non-capitalist development that challenge colonial frames of reference.
Dr. Coulthard is Yellowknives Dene and the Director of Critical Indigenous Studies at the University of British Columbia. He is faculty and President of the Board at Dechinta.
March 31st at 12pm MT
Dechinta X Solid State Online Workshop
We are very excited to welcome you to an online workshop hosted by Dechinta and Solid State, an organization based in Surrey, BC building worker co-operatives beyond extractivism and exploitation. Please join us to learn more about building worker power and community-based solidarity economies in the North.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3DrE5vo4Qriux_bSQMfs5A
Financing Our Future: The Potential of Non-Extractive Lending and Co-operative Solutions for Yellowknife
We are very excited to welcome you to two workshops hosted by Dechinta and Solid State - an organization based in Surrey, BC building worker co-operatives beyond extractivism and exploitation. Please join us at either or both events to learn more about building worker power and community-based solidarity economies.
Join us for a dynamic public forum on innovative financing models that prioritize community well-being over corporate profit. Hear from experts on how non-extractive lending and co-operative ventures can transform Yellowknife’s economic landscape—empowering local entrepreneurs, sustaining environmental health, and building long-term prosperity for everyone. Lunch provided!
Standing Together: Co-operatives for Economic Solidarity in Tough Times
We are very excited to welcome you to two workshops hosted by Dechinta and Solid State - an organization based in Surrey, BC building worker co-operatives beyond extractivism and exploitation. Please join us at either or both events to learn more about building worker power and community-based solidarity economies.
With looming tariffs and shifting global trade putting pressure on local economies, there’s no better time to explore how Yellowknife can build resilience from the ground up. Join this intimate workshop for a deep dive into co-operative models that emphasize community ownership, keep wealth circulating at home, and help us weather external economic shocks. Through hands-on discussions and real-life examples, learn how sticking together and investing in each other can help our community thrive—even in uncertain times. Dinner provided!
Superbloom Anthology Launch
How can art-making (re)connect us to our kin in the world around us? How can it strengthen our community networks? How can it strengthen our agency and the actions we take to care for land and each other?
These are some of the questions that inspired the creation of the anthology Superbloom: Generating climate resilience in the North through art and community, a project developed with the Dechinta Centre. Come help us to launch this collection of creative works by Northern voices that explore both the recent impacts of the climate crisis across Yukon and NWT and the webs of connection and resilience that are emerging in response. Featuring readings from our contributors, hot drinks and swag giveaways!
We all Learn Together
Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning invites you to participate in an exciting day of panel presentations and community conversations about Northern Research and Education!
Join us on Tuesday November 5th from 10:00am-2:00pm at Northern United Place for a day full of learning, sharing, and conversation.
Ndè Wexè | With the Land - Gallery Opening!
Ndè Wexè | With the Land: Emergent Artists at Dechinta
Featuring works from the Dechinta Community. For several semesters, Dechinta students have been invited to create art in response to their land-based educational experiences. Come celebrate their stunning creations. Their work is rooted in first-hand experiences of working with fish, bones, skins, plants, medicines, and stories - stories of self-discovery, family, ancestors and justice.
Gallery Dates: Open from October 19th to January 9th | Monday to Sunday, 10am-6pm
Gallery Location: Centre Square Mall - 5014 - 50th Street
Gallery Phone: 867-920-8687
Additional Events:
Gallery Opening and Exhibit Tour
October 19th, 6-8pm
*light refreshments will be servedArtists Talk and Exhibit Tour
November 5th, 6-8pm
*light refreshments served
of the Land and Water | Celebrating Indigenous Sexualities, Genders and Ways of Being
Dechinta is excited to announce our upcoming multi-series event in Whitehorse - 'Of Land and Water - Celebrating Indigenous Sexualities, Genders and Ways of Being.'
Northern Student Research Gathering: Share research, connect with others
Connect, share and support other Northern summer students by signing up to participate in our Northern Student Research Gathering, hosted by Aurora College and Dechinta
STORIES FROM AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE
February 14, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the submission of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, a document written by the Yukon Indian People/Yukon Native Brotherhood and submitted to Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau in 1973.
Ndè Sı̀ı̀ Wet’aɂà Book Launch and Handgames in Whitehorse
Dechinta is excited to announce our upcoming book launch and hand games event in Whitehorse next Wednesday, January 11th from 6:00-8:30pm at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre!
Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal Launch in Yellowknife In collaboration with Aurora College and Hotii ts’eeda
A few weeks ago, Dechinta hosted the Yellowknife launch of the Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal in collaboration with Aurora College and Hotii ts’eeda!
